South Australian (SA) Premier Peter Malinauskas has introduced a $51.6 million assistance package to support flood-impacted households, businesses, councils, and relevant government departments.
Malinauskas and his cabinet visited the region on Tuesday (November 22) ahead of the forecasted flood peak at the beginning of December. The South Australia support package will provide two weeks of emergency accommodation for those unable to return to their homes, as well as $400 grants for individuals and up to $1,000 for families displaced from their homes.
“The government stands ready to do for those most in need – whether that be for households or businesses – both in terms of preparedness, response, and then also recovery,” Malinauskas said, as reported by ABC. “We have a journey ahead of us, and we are all very determined to work together.”
Treasurer Stephen Mulligan said the flood support package will cover families not covered by insurance.
“For households and families who are required to leave their properties due to the threat of inundation or because of losing power to their homes, they will be entitled to an immediate grant for up to $1,000 for a family for that impact on them,” he said, as reported by ABC. “A further $1,000 [will be made available] to try and meet the first two weeks of costs of finding accommodation elsewhere, but [bear] in mind that many households will be covered for insurance.
“For those people who aren't covered for insurance, there will be further support available for them from the government – $2,000 for singles and up to $5,000 for families.”
Among banks and insurers, ANZ most recently extended its flood support package to help businesses and customers impacted by the flooding in South Australia as they continue to recover. The financial support measures include:
Customers with ANZ home and contents insurance may also be eligible for emergency funds and temporary accommodation.
“We understand the challenges many South Australian businesses and households may be facing as a result of the recent flooding across the state, and we are here to support our customers with immediate financial help at this difficult time,” said Kathleen Jahour, general manager for South Australia at ANZ, as reported by Mirage News. “With more flooding expected over the coming weeks, the safety of all residents in flood-affected areas remains a priority, but when customers are ready, we are here to help them rebuild and recover.”
